Sunday, May 8, 2016

Prepping For the First Start

Now that the engine is back in and all connected up, I'm just a few steps away from firing it up and testing that it works properly. But before any of that can happen, there is the small issue of choosing the correct oil for the job...

Now when it comes to the subject of oil, I really wrestled with what was the best choice for a newly built engine. I was torn between just using the standard 20/50 that I always use, or a "special" Running In Oil. I put the word special in quotes as it's not actually special, it's just that it's marketed as being specific to this role.

Now, it should be an obvious choice really as I'll need to run in my new engine - buy the running in oil!!!! But I never know if products such as this are merely snake oil or not. Just to let you know, at no point did I consider using actual snake oil, just in case you were worried! Anyway, I expected that a "special" oil would have special prices, but no, at £16 from a local supplier for 5 litres, it's actually a better deal than the normal oil.

So after digging around a few forums on the subject and finding more than a few positive opinions regarding running in oil, I dashed out and bought a bottle along with a new oil filter.

Now when it comes to fitting a new oil filter, I think it's fairly standard procedure to fill it up with oil first, so I'd say especially so if it's a new engine. Also it's important to lubricate both sides of the new seal to help it tighten up properly.

Then it's just carefully offered up to the housing and hand tightened in place.

Next I wanted to remove the oil pressure sender and squirt in as much oil as possible from one of those quirty oil cans. To be honest, it didn't seem to take very much oil before it was spilling out though. I'm really not sure if this is necessary or even helpful, but it can't hurt and is easy to do. While I was there, I attached the oil pressure gauge pipe into the 'T' piece.

And that's it, we're ready to rock and roll.

Just a quick mental check before I commit to turning the key.

The head has been torqued down correctly.

The valve clearances checked and double checked.

The speedo has been re-attached, although this isn't really needed for the startup, it's just easier to attach while the engine is being lowered in.

The exhaust and inlet manifold has been re-attached.

The gear lever has been attached to check the gears can be engaged correctly.

The carb has been all connected back up with the cables and also the vacuum pipe.

All the electrics are re-connected and been checked over.

The radiator is back in and all associated plumbing connected and filled up with coolant.

Both top and bottom engine steadies are connected.

The engine is full of oil and has a new oil filter.

So that's it, I'd say it's ready to go. However, time has got the better of me so I'm not going to do it now as it's got too late in the day, so I'll come back possibly tomorrow, check everything over one final time and go for it!!!